Marine Protected Areas: Key to Kelp Forest Recovery from Ocean Heatwave

-

Kelp forests, often called the “tropical forests of the sea”, play a vital role in supporting marine life, protecting coastlines and absorbing carbon dioxide. However, in recent decades, these underwater forests have been devastated by marine heatwaves caused by climate change.

New research published by the British Ecological Society in the Journal of Applied Ecology highlights that marine protected areas (MPAs) can be a powerful tool to accelerate the recovery of kelp forests after extreme warming.



🔎 Where are these forests located?

Kelp forests grow along the coast in temperate regions, including:

Pacific coast of California, USA

Coasts of Chile and Peru

Great Southern Reef of Australia

North Atlantic (Norway, UK, France, Spain)

Cool coastal areas of South Africa

📌 Research results

The study was led by Dr Thomas Wernberg (University of Western Australia), Dr Daniel Smale (Marine Biological Association, UK) and their international colleagues. They examined long-term data on kelp ecosystems and found that:

Kelp forests within MPAs recovered 40% faster than those in unprotected waters.

The presence of healthy populations of predators (such as sea otters and lobsters) reduced the spread of sea urchins, which often overgraze on the kelp.

Marine Protected Areas (MPAs) have created climate reserves where kelp has been able to naturally recover from extreme heat.

🌍 Global success stories

Monterey Bay National Marine Sanctuary (USA) – After a severe decline in kelp populations, recovery has begun within a decade thanks to protection.

Great Southern Reef (Australia) – Kelp-resistant areas within MPAs help stabilize fisheries.

Norwegian coast – MPAs have improved biodiversity and allowed kelp forests to expand again.

💲 Ecological and economic value

Kelp forests are not only ecologically important, but also economically valuable. According to recent estimates:

The global kelp industry (food, cosmetics, biofuels, pharmaceuticals) is valued at over $13 billion annually.

Coastal protection services from kelp forests save governments billions of dollars in storm damage costs.

📜 Key organisations involved

British Ecological Society

University of Western Australia

Marine Biological Association (UK)

NOAA (National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, USA)

International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN)

Comments

Post a Comment

YOU MAY ALSO LIKE

10 Amazing Space Events of the Past Year

-
Image
The cosmos never ceases to amaze us with its mysteries and wonders. From groundbreaking discoveries to fascinating cosmic phenomena, here are ten remarkable space events that took place in the past year, giving us a glimpse into the ever-expanding universe. 1. Unprecedented Exoplanet Discovery Astronomers have discovered Earth-like planets in distant star systems, raising hopes for potential life beyond our planet. 2. NASA’s Artemis I Mission Success Human return to lunar exploration took a giant leap forward with the successful completion of Artemis I, paving the way for future manned missions. 3. First Images from the James Webb Telescope Stunning deep-space visuals captured by the James Webb Space Telescope have revealed never-before-seen details of galaxies, nebulae, and exoplanets. 4. Solar Storms and Auroras Intense solar activity led to spectacular auroras that could be seen at latitudes further south than usual, captivating skywatchers around the world. 5. The rise of space tou...
READ MORE

The Hidden Threat Beneath the Waves: Exploring the Environmental Impact of Shipwrecks

-
Image
Shipwrecks scattered across the ocean floor may seem like a relic of the past, but today they pose a constant and growing environmental threat. With more than 8,500 shipwrecks lying underwater around the world, these forgotten vessels carry both historical value and environmental hazards. That’s why understanding and addressing this issue is critical to protecting marine ecosystems. The Scale of the Problem Historical records, such as those held by the Lloyd’s Register Foundation in London, and research by experts like Paul Hershink, shed light on the staggering number of shipwrecks. These vessels include warships, cargo ships, and oil tankers, many of which still contain hazardous materials such as fuel oil and chemicals that can pollute the marine environment for decades. The Cost of Inaction The environmental and financial costs are alarming: Dollars: Removing pollutants and salvaging materials from shipwrecks costs millions per ship. For example, cleaning up World War II wrecks can...
READ MORE

The Ethical Dilemma of Mirror Neurons: Why Scientists Are Calling for Their Regulation

-
Image
Mirror neurons are one of the most groundbreaking discoveries in neuroscience. These specialized brain cells fire both when a person performs an action and when they observe another doing the same. While they hold enormous potential for understanding empathy, learning, and even artificial intelligence, some scientists argue that manipulating them poses significant ethical and biological risks. But why should these neurons, essential to human connection, be considered too dangerous for experimentation? What are mirror neurons ? First discovered in monkeys and later confirmed in humans, mirror neurons allow us to “mirror” the actions and emotions of others. They are central to processes such as imitation, emotional contagion, and understanding the intentions of others—cornerstones of human development. However, their potential misuse, such as creating hyperempathic systems or manipulating behavior through advanced technologies, has raised concerns in the scientific community. Why are sci...
READ MORE